Ahafo Nkaseim Chiefs Lobby Newmont, Gov’t

…For Community Mining

Traditional leaders and elders of Ahafo Nkaseim in the Ahafo Region, have appealed to mining firm, Newmont Ghana Gold Limited, to cede portion of its concession at Nkaseim to them, to establish Community Mining for the youth.

This, according to the chiefs, will help resolve the current impasse between Newmont and the residents in the company’s catchment areas at Asutifi South District.

They argued that, the request if granted, would help mitigate issues of illegal mining activities and encroachments in the company’s operational areas.

The chiefs made the request when they led a delegation consisting of opinion leaders, youth groups and others to engage management of Newmont and Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

The meeting, which took place in Accra, discussed among others possible ways the escalating impasse, can be resolved amicably for Newmont to understand the concern of residents and accept their proposal for government’s community mining policy.

Give Peace A Chance

On his part, the Deputy Minister, promised the chiefs to ensure effective collaboration and coordination with the substantive Minister, Samuel A. Jinapor, to resolve the issues amicably.

He appealed to the chiefs to remain calm and give peace a chance and trust that the Ministry, will find a lasting solution to the impasse.

While, expressing understanding and appreciation of the grievances of the members of the community, Mr Duker, asked the residents to use the appropriate channels to air their grievances and have them addressed.

Gov’t Policy

He reminded the delegation of government’s long-term aim of ensuring Ghanaian dominance in the mining industry, which inspired the basis for the Community Mining Scheme policy.

According to Mr Duker, the Community Mining, has come as a vehicle for delivering sustainable and responsible mining by raising Ghanaian mining moguls whose operations will directly impact on Ghanaian population.

“Newmont have invested heavily in the concession so it will be difficult for them to just leave. In Ghana, the small-scale mining sector employs over a million people while the large scale employs over 370, 000. The difference is huge and the focus of government is to ensure Ghanaian ownership of the mines. This will help keep the revenue generated in this country”, he indicated.

“We brought up the Community Mining and also training Ghanaians at UMAT to equip them with the knowledge so that someday they will takeover the mines. In South Africa, the biggest mining companies belong to their citizens so the revenue generated are kept in country and that is what government wants to do.

But we are not there yet so we need to be careful. I will work with my Minister and I promise you that whatever we think you deserve, will be given. Let peace prevail and trust us to resolve this issue”, he maintained.

DCE Speaks

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Asutifi South, Dwomoh Mensah Robert, who was also at the meeting, urged the traditional authorities to consider the benefits of the Community Mining Scheme and trust the Ministry to implement initiatives that will serve their interest.

He commended Newmont for their significant contribution to the district, but urged management to consider the request by the chiefs.

The DCE, thus appealed to the Lands Ministry, to as a matter urgency establish a Community Mining concession at Nkaseim, to curb issues of illegal mining activities.

Newmont Responds

Meanwhile, the Head of legal at Newmont Ghana, Mr Robert Agbozu, has said development of communities within the company’s catchment areas, forms part of the key targets of Newmont.

According to him, Newmont is not only interested in exploiting the resource, but also interested in the socio-economic advancement of their host communities and assured the Chiefs that Newmont, will undertake significant development projects in the area, once they commence mining operations.

On the chief’s appeal, Mr Agbozu reportedly said that, although he understands the request made by the traditional rulers and the youth, Newmont remain owners of the prospecting license granted in the area of interest.

Source: Anchorghana.com